Cable wrench



Aug. 21, 1928. 1,681,482

M. JOHNSTON ET AL CABLE WRENCH Filed Feb. 28, 1927 pppppppp a,

ln'ventaro Attorngy Patented Aug. 21, 1928.

MARVIN D nta nisaorata sarivmra. Q mrmma CABLE WBEAIQHQ i Application filed. February 28, 1927. Serial No. 171,528.

The present invention is directed to an improved wrench especially adapted for use in connection with wire cables, such as are used in drilling oil wells, andthe purpose of the invention is to enable kinks to be removed from the cable line, in order to facilitate drilling.

Heretofore all metal wrenches of the double jaw type have been employed for this purpose. It is well-known, however, that these wrenches are not ordinarily satisfactory for the purpose due to the fact that they frequently cut and injure the strands of the cable and in many instances the wrench gets lost in the well and causes endless troubles.

The ,present wrench has been designed with a view toward overcoming the defects of the ordinary metal wrench and we desire to emphasize the fact that the outstanding feature of the improved wrench is that the major portion thereof is composed of wood, such as may be readily and easily destroyed by the drill bit, in case the wrench gets lost in the well. As far as we know no one has employed an easily destructible wrench, with this end in view, the wrench being so inexpensive that it involves no unusual loss when thus destroyed.

An equally important feature of the invention, however,'is based upon the fact that even though the main part is made of wood, 7

it is faced on its exterior with metal over a limited area, so that one side or the other side can be employed as a smooth faced jaw for cooperation with an adjustable toothed jaw which is associated therewith, thus assuring a firm grip on the cable, without injuring the cable.

The more specific details of the invention will become apparent from the following description and drawing.

In the drawing:

The single figure represents a view in elevation and section showing the complete new wrench, and the approximate manner in which it is used.

In carrying out the invention, we employ a wooden body whichis shaped to provide a sturdy handle 1 and a slightly enlarged head 2, the head being of a slightly rectangular configuration, and preferably square in cross section. Adjacent its lower end, the head is provided with a transverse slot 3, to accommodate the shank 4 of the adjustable grip device. This grip device includes a rightangularly disposed jaw 5, having antishpprng teeth on-its inner side to engage one side of the wire cable 6, and the wire cable is clamped between this jaw and one surface of the head, and in order to make the grip firm, the head is encased in the metal casing 7, of an appropriate gage of metal. In forming the casing extensions 9 are provided to extend into the interior of the groove 3, in order to reinforce those surfaces against which the metallic shank 4: bears. It is yet to be pointed out that a retaining nut 10 having a knurled surface is carried by this shank and is adapted to abut one side of this casing in holding the jaw 5 in a set position. i

In use, the cable is simply clamped between the flat metal sides of the casing on one side of the head 2 and the toothed jaw 5, after which the nut 10 is securely tightened to hold the cable firmly between these parts. Then the wrench is manipulated in the conventional vmanner, to remove any kinks or twists that may occur in the cable. As before stated, the gist of the invention is in making the major portion of the wrench of an easily destructible wood, which has such characteristics as make it sturdy enough to be used with these heavy cables.

This is due to the fact that in case the wrench gets lost in the well, the well drill bit may be.manipulated to practically destroy the wooden part of the wrench so that it will not interfere with the drilling operation to any great extent, and so that no attempt need be made to recover it.

Undoubtedly, persons familiar with tools of this class will be able to appreciate and understand the construction and advantages thereof. For this reason, a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

Minor changes may be resorted to if desired.

\Ve claim:

In a cable wrench of the class described,

a body comprising an elongated handle havopposite side of said casing, whereby a cable may be clamped between said jaw and said last named side of the casing.

In testimony whereof we affix our signatures.

MARVIN JOHNSTON. MERLE H. SCOTT. 

